Battle of Beecher’s Island

Beecher’s Island Indian Battle:

Battle of Beecher’s Island Monument

“Fought September 17, 18 and 19, 1868 between Col. George A. Forsyth’s company of citizen scouts, numbering 61 men and a large party Indians comprising Northern Cheyennes, Ogallalah, Brule Sioux and Dog Soldiers commanded by the noted war chief Roman Nose. The scouts were surrounded and held on this island for nine days subsisting on horse and mule meat. Indian killed: 75. Wounded: unknown. Here Roman Nose and Medicine Man fought their last battle.”

“The first Night Stillwell and Trudeau crawling out on hands and knees started for relief, and hiding days and traveling nights, reached Fort Wallace. The 3rd night Donovan and Pliley started arriving at Fort Donovan with four others immediately started back, and coming upon Col. Carpenters command on the south fork of the Republican [river] guided them in a 20 mile dash. Reaching the Island at 10 AM the 9th day, 26 hours in advance of Col. Bankhead with scouts Stillwell and Trudeau. The return to Fort Wallace was began on September 27, the wounded being carried in government wagons.”

The location is named for 1st Lt. Fred Beecher, killed in the battle.

Location: 20563 County Rd KK, Wray, CO 80758

A virtual reality tour of the battlefield:

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